Four Common IVF Myths: What You Need to Know

When it comes to infertility, many couples are told that IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies are their only hope. But is that really true? Are these methods as successful and risk-free as they're often portrayed?

Today, we're going to debunk four common myths about IVF (in-vitro fertilization) and ART (artificial reproductive technology). We're going to explore their risks and limitations, as well as highlight how natural fertility methods can play a significant role in overcoming infertility.

Myth 1: IVF is the Only Solution for Infertility

False! There are many underlying issues that can be treated naturally through Restorative Reproductive Medicine techniques.

Many couples struggling to conceive are told that IVF is their only option. Now, there are a myriad of reasons why they might be told this, but the reality is there are many causes of infertility, like hormone imbalance, ovulatory dysfunction, or even structural problems, that can be addressed through Restorative Reproductive Medicine, lifestyle interventions, or targeted medical treatments instead.

For example, if a woman is dealing with PCOS, we need to address the underlying insulin resistance, if that's playing a role. In many cases, we need to get ovulation occurring naturally again. It's really challenging to get pregnant if you're not even ovulating! By helping the body to ovulate more regularly, we significantly increase the chances of pregnancy. For women dealing with luteal phase defects (low progesterone levels after ovulation), we want to support progesterone production, whether that's through lifestyle changes or a prescription strength medication. Supporting the body with sufficient progesterone will improve your chances of implantation, achieving a pregnancy, and preventing a miscarriage.

IVF also doesn't address things that may require surgical intervention. Whether that's endometriosis or blocked tubes or scar tissue, those things need to be addressed. And once we address those issues, we're able to go on to have subsequent pregnancies without relying on artificial technologies.

So, ultimately, IVF is not the only solution, and more importantly, it should not be the first option. Many couples are able to conceive naturally with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Myth 2: IVF and Artificial Reproductive Technologies are Always Successful

False! Success rates vary significantly depending upon age and many other factors. Failure is quite common.

IVF is often portrayed as a guaranteed way to have a baby. However, IVF success rates vary vastly depending upon many factors like age, underlying health conditions, egg quality, and the facility that's actually performing these techniques.

For women under the age of 35, the success rate for IVF is about 40-50% per cycle. However, this number drops significantly for older women. And once a woman is above the age of 43, the success rate per cycle falls to a very, very low rate, usually around 10-15% per cycle or lower.

There are many factors that can influence success, as I mentioned, including hormone health, egg and sperm quality, and the receptivity of the uterus. If we don't address those root causes, it can lead to failed cycles, which comes with a significant financial and emotional toll.

I have worked with many women in my practice who went through multiple unsuccessful IUI and/or IVF cycles before finding restorative methods. When they work with me, we find a treatable underlying cause in many cases, correct that cause, and then they have success with a pregnancy. So IVF isn't always successful, and addressing underlying issues first can improve your chances of achieving a pregnancy naturally.

Myth 3: Artificial Reproductive Technologies are the Fastest Way to Get Pregnant

False! Root cause treatments may be quicker and provide long-term reproductive health.

IVF is often marketed as a quick fix for infertility, but the reality is IVF cycles may take months of preparation, financial planning, medications, retrievals, and embryo transfers. If a first cycle is unsuccessful, additional cycles often add on more time.

Compare that to restorative methods. These can take six to 12 months to address root causes, but they often lead to more sustainable outcomes – not only with a woman's overall health, but also with her menstrual health and fertility. This allows us to repeat what we have done for treatments for subsequent pregnancies without as much lead time the next time around.

Restorative methods also are supporting a healthier pregnancy and decreasing your chance of miscarriage. Because even if you get pregnant with IVF, but you haven't corrected underlying hormonal, thyroid, or anatomic abnormalities, then you still carry that increased risk of miscarriage. So addressing those things in advance is critical, not only to getting pregnant, but to staying pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy with a healthy baby in the end.

While IVF may seem faster, the process can be quite lengthy, as well as emotionally and financially draining. Root cause treatments do take time as well, but they lead to lasting improvements in overall health and fertility.

Myth 4: IVF Has No Risks or Downsides

False! There are significant physical, emotional, and financial risks to consider.

IVF is often marketed as a safe and straightforward process. However, it does come with risks, some of which I have seen firsthand from women who come to my practice after attempting IVF.

One of the most common risk factors is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This is a potentially dangerous complication from fertility medications, especially when they are used at higher and higher dosages for a long period of time. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs when the fertility drugs overstimulate the ovaries, causing them to enlarge and release chemicals into your blood. This triggers fluid to leak from your blood vessels into your abdomen, causing swelling, pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, the fluid can build up around your heart and lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In mild to moderate causes, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome will resolve on its own over time, but some severe cases require hospitalization.

If you are going through an egg retrieval process, there are surgical risks involved. It is a surgical procedure that requires great skill, and there are always inherent risks with surgery. In some IVF cases, there's also an increased risk of multiple pregnancies, which can be associated with additional complications.

On top of this, there is a significant financial burden. One cycle of IVF often costs tens of thousands of dollars, without guarantee of success, which can create significant financial stress for families. There's also the emotional strain, pressure, anxiety, and grief that can accompany IVF cycles. Some women feel guilt for not being able to conceive naturally, and this feeling can stay with them for a long time.

There are also ongoing studies looking at the potential risks for babies conceived through artificial reproductive technologies, including a slightly higher likelihood of certain health issues. Whether it's asthma or mental health or reproductive concerns themselves, we still don't know all of the long-term consequences for children conceived through artificial reproductive technologies.

The key takeaway here is that IVF is not without risk. It's so important to carefully weigh these risks – physical, emotional, and financial – and explore all your options before deciding.

Whether you have been told that IVF is your only option to get pregnant or whether you're just learning about Restorative Reproductive Medicine, we want to empower you to address those root causes, take charge of your fertility journey, improve your health, and promote your chances for natural pregnancy long-term.

If you're struggling with infertility and feeling pressured to pursue IVF, know that there are alternatives! Restorative Reproductive Medicine can help you uncover and address the root cause of your struggles. If you're ready to work with our elite team of healthcare professionals, schedule a free discovery call today!